Whether it’s a movie, or it’s episodic, producing anime is no easy task; though at the forefront, is a director who wears many different hats. In this case, it’s Shinya Kawatsura — director of The House of The Lost on the Cape, with experience on shows such as Durarara!!, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and many more. We interviewed him about his role on the film, his previous work, and more!

 

This interview was created in cooperation with Eleven Arts and AX Cinema Nights, who are currently hosting theater showings of The House of the Lost on the Cape. Get your tickets here!

 

 

Crunchyroll: Where does your process begin when directing a movie?

 

Kawatsura: While working on plotting the scenario, we went location scouting in search of lands and buildings that would fit our image in order to use them as models for the design.

 

Is there a production that you’re most proud to have worked on?

 

Kawatsura: I am very attached to all the titles I have worked on. On top of that, The House of the Lost on the Cape is my latest work and my first feature- length theatrical film, so I am very proud that people will be able to watch this film.

 

How closely does The House of The Lost Cape parallel Sachiko Kashiwaba’s novel?

 

Kawatsura: Some of the details have been adjusted, but I think the storyline is mostly consistent. One major change was the characteristics of some of the characters.

 

The soundtrack is beautiful, does the director play a role in selecting songs?

 

Kawatsura: Yuri Miyauchi, who was in charge of the music composition, is a musician. I have always loved his music and went to several of his live performances. When I accepted the offer to direct this film, I knew that we needed Miyauchi's music for this film, so I offered it to him. And he provided us with wonderful music.

 

Despite tragedy, do you believe that natural disasters can bring people closer?

 

Kawatsura: Natural disasters are an act of nature on the earth, neither good nor evil. They are simply unreasonable for human beings, and I believe that we have far more to lose than to gain from such tragedies. I feel that if anyone can become closer, it will be those who have been indirectly affected by the tragedy.

 

Do you believe in ghosts? What’s your favorite ghost story/folktale?

 

Kawatsura: I half believe and half doubt about ghosts and yokai. I like stories about gods inhabiting aged animals and tools, which I think are common in Japan. I think the tradition of Mayoiga in the Tohoku region, which is the motif of this film, also came from these stories.

 

Have you ever spent the night at a house that resembles a Mayoiga?

 

Kawatsura: I have. While on location, we were able to stay in a house that was used as a model for the Mayoiga in the film. It was a fun experience.

 

What do you believe is the most difficult part of directing a movie?

 

Kawatsura: The most difficult part was involving many staff members in my creative process. I hoped that everyone could face their work in a positive way, if possible.

 

Which director, or production, has most inspired the work you do?

 

Kawatsura: My work at BeeTrain, the first production company that I worked for, remains the basis of my work methodology and I am greatly influenced by its founder, director Koichi Mashimo.

 

To anyone struggling to find their own place in the world, do you have any advice?

 

Kawatsura: I believe that the action of finding your own place and the courage to do so are the most important strengths to start your life. That action and courage will be a hard thing that you have to use again and again until you find your own place, but it is worth it. If you are too exhausted now to use that strength, find a place where you can be kind to
others and where they can be kind to you and spoil you. There you can save your strength. I wish you all the best as you take steps to lead an independent life.

 

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Get tickets for The House of the Lost on the Cape here!

 

 

 

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Alex Poehlman is a Features Writer for Crunchyroll. Follow him on Twitter!

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